Goose Creek, Dutch Fork collide in battle of offensive juggernauts

Dutch Fork football coach Tom Knotts is so concerned about Goose Creek’s option offense that he brought in a special quarterback to run the scout team.

“It was me,” said Knotts, who brings his team to Goose Creek for a 7:30 p.m. showdown of two undefeated teams. “I used to run the option when I played quarterback. But I don’t think I have quite the moves their quarterback has.”

The Goose Creek offense, under the direction of quarterback Dantez Bennamon, has been off the charts in the first four games this season. The third-ranked Gators have averaged 54 points per game, rolling up 421 rushing yards and 528 total offense per game.

“We worked real hard on stopping the option this week,” said Knotts, whose team is 4-0 and checks in at No. 4 in the latest state rankings. “We don’t see the option that much. The way they run it makes it even more effective.”

The Gators have a stable of capable ball carriers. Caleb Kinlaw leads the way with 553 yards and 11 touchdowns. His backup, Tyrik Johnson, has 326 yards and six scores. He averages 16.3 yards per carry. Evan McField has toted the ball for 398 yards and four scores. Bennamon, the quarterback, has rushed for 226 yards and three scores while passing for 429 yards and two scores.

Dutch Fork’s offense might be just as dangerous. The Silver Foxes are averaging 48.5 points per game and 484 yards in total offense per game, including 252 in the air.

Quarterback Derek Orenchuk has completed 60 of 83 passes for 943 yards and 13 scores. But running back Matt Colburn was the reason why the Silver Foxes were able to hold off Dorman last week. He had 410 all-purpose yards and scored five touchdowns. The junior has 836 yards rushing and 13 scores on 103 attempts.

“This is probably the best offensive team we’ve faced since we played University out of (Fort Lauderdale) Florida in 2011,” Goose Creek coach Chuck Reedy said.

“Their quarterback is a two-year starter who makes good decisions. They are very balanced, that’s what separates them from other teams. We have to make them one-dimensional.”

Both teams have been solid in recent years. Goose Creek won the Division II-AAAA state championship in 2011 and has a 30-game winning streak on the field. Dutch Fork reached the Division I-AAAA state championship last December, dropping a 34-22 decision to Gaffney.

“This is what it’s all about,” Reedy said. “We try to play the best teams available. This gives us a chance to see how we match up against one of the best teams from a different part of the state.”

Goose Creek posted a 28-17 victory over Dutch Fork last season.

“This game will give us a chance to see where we stand,” Knotts said. “This is the game, the time, we have to take it up another level.”

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